Canon announces plans for firmware update to Cinema EOS cameras

This December, Canon will release a free firmware update for its popular EOS C500 and EOS C300 video cameras, as well as version 1.3 of its Cinema RAW Development software. Standards are beginning to emerge for the broadcast of 4K video and the firmware promises to add support to the C500 for the new ITU-R BT.2020 color space which has been used in recent broadcast testing. Both the C300 and C500 will also gain the ability to use the assignable Func. button to specify color temperature.

Cinema RAW Development 1.3 will feature several updates, notably the inclusion of EDL (edit decision lists) support which could dramatically cut down the amount of footage that cinematographers need to convert from Raw footage into editable ProRes or DPX files.

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 4, 2014 - Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today that its parent company, Canon Inc., will be releasing free firmware upgrades for both the Cinema EOS C500 4K and C300 Digital Cinema Cameras, as well as Cinema RAW Development 1.3, an updated version of Canon's Cinema RAW Development software, in November 2014.

Canon's Cinema EOS System lineup of digital cinematography cameras and lenses has earned the praises of a wide range of progressive professionals working in the cinema and television production industries. The new firmware upgrades, which will deliver enhanced performance to effectively respond to the needs of various users, are being offered for the EOS C500 and EOS C300 camera models while the updated Cinema RAW Development software for 4K Cinema RAW footage is intended for the Cinema EOS C500.

Support for ITU-R BT.2020 next-generation broadcast standard color space (for EOS C500 and EOS C500 PL camera models)Offering compliance with the ITU-R BT.2020 (Rec. 2020) color space employed in the 4K TV broadcasting tests carried out earlier this year in Japan, the firmware upgrade for the EOS C500 and EOS C500 PL camera models facilitates the capture of high-resolution video supporting the color space employed in the ITU-R BT.2020 next-generation broadcast standard. When used in combination with Canon's DP-V3010 professional 4K reference display (released in January 2014), the system effectively responds to input and output needs within the realms of next-generation motion-picture production and broadcasting.

Enhanced Cinema RAW Development functionality (for EOS C500 and EOS C500 PL camera models)The upgraded Cinema RAW Development software features the addition of 3D-LUT for converting from Cinema Gamut/DCI-P3+ to such highly versatile color space standards as ITU-R BT.709 (Rec. 709) and DCI-P3, enabling efficient video editing while maintaining low-chroma color reproduction and high-chroma color gradation. Additionally, support for EDLs (edit decision lists)3 enables only necessary time code-designated segments to be converted to the DPX and ProRes formats suitable for editing, effectively doing away with the need to process unnecessary files. Also, when using a PC equipped with Intel® Iris™ Pro graphics, Cinema RAW Development 1.3 makes it possible for faster development of 4K Cinema RAW data.4

In this case it adds features that may be important in the purchasing decisions of some buyers. This is no different than announcing that a new camera will be available in December. Many companies give details about upcoming offerings.

A Press release that says that we will do something later on. On a product that is basically out of scope for this site.I wonder if this is a one off or if the site will move into this area permanently? I can easily forsee other companies also planning to do something at a later stage...

I don't know why Canon doesn't update the Firmware of the 5D Mark III, it's nearing the end of it's production life. I would like to see some extra functionality added into these cameras. RAW video, Intervalometer etc without buying the official Intervalometer remote for £150, I know I can use Magic Lantern or a cheap Intervalometer remote, but that's not the point. Adding a few extras could help sell more cameras before releasing the new version.

I am somewhat curious as to the basis of the editorializing characterization of these cameras as "popular". I know people doing professional work on cheaper cameras, and i know people doing projects on arri and red systems, but i don't personally know anyone working with these. Which doesnt mean much, but as i said, popular according to whom?

I have lot of friends in the event and wedding videography business and the C300 and C100 seems to be a staple among those folks. I've used both on occasion and its possibly one of the best run and gun pro cameras you can get especially with the Autofocus upgrade. I'm guessing the RED and Arri cameras are better suited for more artistic filmmaking.

The idea is to make the camera compatible with an upcoming standard... something that did not exist when the camera was released. I don't see why anyone would complain about a company adding features and keeping a camera current at no extra charge to existing users.

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